Article

1st March 2017, 16:40

MEET THE TEAM Lewis Reece

Once a speedster on the wing, now a strong centre or second
row, LEWIS REECE is one of Wales' most determined players
and will be looking for a good season to earn him a place on
the plane to Australia for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Once a speedster on the wing, now a strong centre or second row, LEWIS REECE is one of Wales' most determined players and will be looking for a good season to earn him a place on the plane to Australia for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

PICTURE - Lewis in action for Wales against Ireland in the 2015 European Championships

Now in his second spell with South Wales Ironmen, he is second highest points scorer in their history and still holds the record for most points in a game for the club.

PICTURE - Lewis, supported by fellow Wales internationals Andy Gay and Elliot Kear, in his first season as a professional, going for a try against Gateshead Thunder.

Seven caps for Wales so far, he made his debut in 2010 and converted Gareth Thomas' first international try. Lewis' only try for Wales so far came against Ireland in Dublin in 2015, the game that saw Wales win the European Cup.

Cardiff born and was brought up in sport right from early in life. His grandfather Gil Reece was a household name in the 1960s and 1970s, playing football for Cardiff City, Swansea City and winning 29 caps for Wales.

PICTURE - Gil in his Cardiff City days.

A fluent Welsh speaker, he went to school at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf and whilst they didn't have Rugby League there while he was a pupil, he recently returned to assist in the coaching before they won the Champion Schools national year 7 title at Wembley Stadium.

PICTURE - Lewis being interviewed by S4C before Glamtaf's Wembley final in 2015.

Lewis' brother Lloyd is also a rugby player and turned out for South Wales Scorpions at under 18 level.

PICTURE - Lewis and Lloyd in Australia in 2014.

Lewis started playing rugby union locally in Rumney in Cardiff before giving RL a go with Newport Titans. He soon made it into the Celtic Crusaders youth ranks.

PICTURE - Lewis starring with Crusaders under 18s in Maesteg.

He played for Wales at under 18 level before the ultimate accolade for a youth player, being selected for Great Britain under 18s.

PICTURE - Lewis in the Lions shirt in a match against Australia.

After playing for two seasons with South Wales Scorpions, he played a few games of rugby union locally in South Wales before playing a season in Australia, playing for Queensland clubs Warwick Cowboys and Souths Tigers as well as representing Toowoomba Clydesdales.

PICTURE - Lewis (front row second in) and the Clydesdales after winning a trophy.

Lewis returned from Australia and signed for Scorpions' local rivals, Gloucestershire All Golds.

PICTURE - Lewis in All Golds colours in a match at York.

Now, back in South Wales where he belongs, Reece is determined to win more Wales caps as the Rugby League World Cup approaches.

PICTURE - Lewis along with Rhodri Lloyd and Ollie Olds after winning the European Cup in 2015.

Wales' next game will be away against Papua New Guniea in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup starting in October. Wales enter the tournament six games unbeaten and as current European Champions however have some mouthwatering opposition in their three opening group games. Click here for a full World Cup fixture list and to buy tickets.